I'm only afraid of snakes. My phobia used to be so bad that I would have to put my feet up on the sofa (and was too afraid to leave the room) if I saw a snake on television.
Now, for some strange reason, my fear has subsided. I still don't LIKE snakes, and if I see one on a hike you will still hear me screaming all the way down the canyon...but I am not as phobic. So maybe they can go away?

A few years ago, I had some sort of agoraphobia. I couldn't answer the phone, and I hated when people came to the door. Now that is gone too.
But I still have a friend who goes into a COMPLETE panic if you knock on the door. It is so sad to be the person standing outside the door, wondering how someone you love can suddenly view you as a threat, and feeling helpless to calm them down.
Any suggestions from current sufferers? What feels so scary, and how can I reassure my friend that I am not ***the police***or a monster*** or **an assasin*** or a robber***or a psychopath***or a soliciter**??
Help!!! And do some antidepressants actually seem to make phobias worse?? I think I was on zoloft when I was phobic, I can't remember.